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Keeping the audiophile spirit and philosophy alive

Four years after the debut of Essence STX — the long-term holder of the number-one position in Head-Fi's Sound Cards segment, as voted by highly-satisfied users globally — ASUS remains committed to delivering ever better high-end sound cards to delight the most demanding audiophiles. Drawing on years of experience in developing Essence One, Essence STU and Essence III, Essence STX II delivers meticulous design, quintessential performance and profound musicality — elements that shape the spirit of the whole Essence Hi-Fi series.

Ultra-low jitter

A high-precision clock is crucial to audiophiles. Integrated circuits are susceptible to heat and temperature changes, which is why Essence STX II includes a premium temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) clock source. It is an ultra-accurate timing technology that ensures ultra-low jitter.

Clean and consistent power supply

Essence STX II uses a dedicated four-pin Molex power connection rather than drawing power from the expansion slot like other cards, and that means a cleaner supply of electricity. Optimized power delivery is further assured with high-fidelity low-dropout (LDO) regulators — unprecedented in the audio-card industry. As well, audiophile-appreciated WIMA® capacitors deliver balanced sound.

Easily adjust the sound for your ears

Three swappable op-amp sockets

Additional op-amp swap kit

Essence STX II even comes with a swap kit that includes three additional op-amps — two Texas Instruments LME49720s and one MUSES 8820 — and a clamp tool that makes it easy to remove the op-amp microchips.